Siuslaw News Sold
An Oregon-based media company has purchased three western-Oregon weekly newspapers, including the Siuslaw News. The announcement came Friday afternoon from News Media Corporation, which has owned and operated the Siuslaw News since 2,000. The sale was effective September 1st. Country Media, Inc., based in Salem, will also take over the Cottage Grove Sentinel and the Newport News Times. That brings the total Oregon Publications owned and operated by Country Media to 11, including the Coos Bay World, the Lincoln City Newsguard, Bandon’s Western Pilot and the Curry Coastal Pilot in Brookings. Country Media is a family-owned business, founded 23-years ago. Carol and Steve Hungerford oversee operations from their head office in Salem. Veteran newspaper executive David Thornberry, who lives in Florence, serves as Country Media’s Chief Executive.
Surveillance Video Foils Robbers
A residential video surveillance system is credited with helping Lane County Sheriff’s Deputies crack a quick case last month. Two individuals were caught on camera breaking into a home on Highway 36 west of Cheshire (in the Goldson Area) August 18th. The man and woman disabled the surveillance system once they gained entry and stole more than $2,000 in personal property. Using images that had been uploaded to the “cloud” before the system was turned off, deputies were able to ID the suspects as 38-year-old Mathis Raymond Lambert and 44-year-old Kristin Dawn Hiatt. The two were taken into custody during a traffic stop August 28th and a search of their home yielded additional evidence, including some for an unrelated case. Sergeant Tom Speldrich with the Sheriff’s Office says home surveillance systems have “proven to become a powerful investigative tool”. He added that disabling the system was immaterial because evidence linking Lambert and Hiatt to the crime had been “solidified” from the moment their images were captured on camera.
Fire Update: Three Buttes
The fire is still burning at Three Buttes just 11 northeast of Florence. Crews have completed removal of brush at the Herman Peak Communication site which is nearby. ODF officials say the site is not currently in danger, but the debris removal will help reduce the risk of fire in the future. The fire is not considered contained, but crews have stopped the spread of the fire for the time being. Through the day yesterday crews continued working on clearing roadways and aprons to create an effective and safe control line. Currently there are 181 personnel on the scene utilizing 26 pieces of heavy equipment and 8 engines. The weather conditions continue to be helpful, but fuel moisture levels are at historic lows and fire danger remains high.
